Content

For the Assistant Director, Schools and Learning to
approve a variation of contract to Getfix Ltd by £88,509.70
varying their contract sum from £115,983.33 to
£204,493.03 (including a client contingency of
£20,000.00) as allowed under the council’s contract
standing orders 10.02.1a.

Reasons for the decision

The schools heating pipework system failed in
numerous locations causing several leaks and internal damage to
teaching and learning spaces. Initial investigations suggested an
issue with the crimping method used to the secure the joints
(installed circa 2 years ago), this has since been confirmed by the
manufacturer. A detailed survey has taken place and report awaited
which is expected to have assessed the full condition of the
pipework and rectification plan as a construction latent
defect.

The initial award to Getfix Ltd was approved the 13th January 2025.
This included installation of a temporary heating system for a hire
period of 6 weeks. To support the ongoing survey and rectification
works the hire period needs to be extended to the end of the
heating season. Although to be confirmed, to minimise disruption to
the school, its expected rectification works will likely take place
during the summer holidays 2025.

This variation also includes a budget allowance for additional
diesel, variation to cabling to support re-siting of the generator
to minimise noise and removal of the temporary heating system at
end of use.

Alternative options considered

A mini competition via the HPCS was discounted originally as it was
felt negotiating with a contractor would be most efficient in terms
of time due to this original solution being time critical in terms
of the operational impact on the school to eliminate the risk of
further closure days. The Dynamic Purchasing System did not permit
a direct award.

Do nothing – this is not an option as the system was
initially hired for 6 weeks pending survey and rectification works.
Not varying this contract would leave the school without any
heating.